From our readers:==============Hello,I am writing to ask if you could help me determine the validity of something II was told or else direct me to someone who might be able to do so.I was told that persons working on the Manhattan project (building an atomic bombduring world war two) were taught the Navajo or the Apache language to facilitatesecure communication between them (secrecy).I know quite a bit about physics and I know a great deal about many of the key peopleinvolved. I know comparatively little about the intricacies and capabilities of theNavajo or the Apache language. With that said is seems to me that this story isnot just improbable but highly likely impossible.For example, could atomic physics be discussed in these languages to a degree thatwould be usable during the development of the atomic bomb? (At that time.)Considering the short time involved and related factors? And keeping in mindthat the understanding, descriptions of and also mathematics to achieve this werebeing created concurrently with the actual construction of the bomb? (A deviceof unprecedented design?)Can you help me with this question? Thank you for any help you can provide.Best regards,Bruce Larrabee ==================Dear Bruce
Navajo Code Talkers
My understanding is that Navajo code-talkers worked for the Army, communicating more standard information about logistics, movements, etc. I don't think it was the Manhattan Project, so no nuclear physics was involved.
There were also code-talkers from other Native American languages (such as Choctaw, Comanche, Creek, Lakota, Meskwakie, and Seminole.)
The people involved were also native speakers of these language, not second language speakers.
Here is an article that seems to be accurate, so far as I know about the various kinds of code talkers and the roles that they have played in our nation's history.
George Aaron Broadwell
SSILA